Russia's MTS launches new HD STB

MOSCOW, Russia – Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications operator in Russia and the CIS, has announced the availability of a new high definition digital set-top box (STB).

The box has a USB port which allows personal video recorder functionality with the addition of external storage. Music files, photos and video files, stored on the removable media, can also be played by the box, allowing the STB to double as a media player.

The retail cost of the box is 1500 roubles ($45), or a subscriber can rent it for 85 roubles ($2.5) a month. The box is free to MTS’ TV customers who have 50 and 100 Mbps broadband.